Validation of a personal control scale: A specific measure of perceived control expectations in job search

Abstract

Experts in career guidance need specialised tools to measure motivation for job search. Among the remarkable elements that motivate a person to search for a job are their own expectations. Aiming at evaluating expectations, the Perceived Control Expectations in Job Search (PCEJS) scale has been created based on Palenzuela's model of Generalized Expectancies of Control (GEC). Convergent-discriminant validity, reliability (internal consistency and homogeneity), and factorial validity are addressed in this study. Correlations are found among theoretically closed sub-scales, and the presence of 4 factors for the items of self-efficacy, expectations of success, internal locus of control and external locus of control is substantiated. The PCEJS can be considered a valid scale to measure expectations as proposed by the GEC model when adapted to a job search situation, showing an appropriate level of homogeneity and consistency in the measurement.